Cathy L. Frenchak, age 71, of Kampsville, Illinois, formerly of Clay County, passed away Sunday, December 30, 2018, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, after a short and fierce battle with cancer.

     She was born March 13, 1947, in Lockport, the daughter of Russell and Irene (Garbelman) Nehls.

     Cathy was a 1965 graduate of Lockport High School and was a past girl scout leader.  She operated an upholstery shop in Clay City and worked a variety of jobs including her most recent as a cashier at Walmart. She enjoyed sewing, painting, camping, fishing, sitting around the bonfire visiting, and time spent playing the Wii with her grandkids and friends.  Cathy was known for her worrisome personality and will be remembered for caring and worrying about others whether they were friends, family, or strangers.

     She is survived by a daughter: Renee (Bryce) Phillips of Ingraham; 6 grandchildren: Jordan Warren, Angelia Warren, Liam Phillips, Dylan (Shelby) Heflin, Tyler Heflin, and Landon Heflin; a foreign exchange student whom she considered a son: Charles (Sarah) Petit-Pigeard of Paris, France; significant other: Rick Wheeler of Kampsville; nephews: Dan and Tom Konow; and great-nieces: Samantha Strawser and Bailey Konow.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; son: Alan Heflin; and a sister: Donna Stone.

     A Celebration of Life Ceremony will take place at a later date.  Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora assisted the family with arrangements.  Memorial donations are suggested to the family to assist with expenses and will accepted through the funeral home.